Paris is gearing up for the upcoming 2024 Paralympics following the conclusion of the Summer Olympics. A thousand torchbearers have been carrying the Paralympic flame throughout France, with the final destination being the Place de la Concorde where the opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday. The Paralympics will feature 4,400 athletes competing in 23 different disciplines, and the city is undergoing preparations to host the event, with many Olympic venues being reused for the Paralympics.
The Paralympic Games aim to not only showcase athletic talent but also to shine a light on discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet hopes that the Paralympics will lead to a collective reflection on the treatment of people with disabilities and combat discrimination in France. The opening ceremony is expected to be a ground-breaking spectacle, with thousands of athletes and spectators gathering to celebrate the beginning of the event.
Security measures remain tight in Paris, with armed police officers patrolling key areas and the deployment of around 25,000 police officers, private security guards, and “Operation Sentinel” soldiers during the Paralympics. Athletes participating in the Paralympics have noted the increased security measures, with vehicles being thoroughly checked upon entry to the Paralympic Village. The Paralympics will run until Sunday 8 September, with various events taking place at iconic venues such as the Palace of Versailles and the Grand Palais.
French athlete Axel Allétru, a torchbearer for the Paralympic Games, expressed his excitement at being able to carry the flame and share the values of resilience and self-improvement with others. The Paralympics are seen as an opportunity to continue the enthusiasm generated by the Olympics and raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Some of the Olympic venues will be repurposed for the Paralympics, with events such as para-equestrian, wheelchair fencing, and blind football taking place at historic locations around the city.
Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet hopes that the Paralympics will lead to a broader conversation about disability and discrimination, urging people to have a more benevolent view towards individuals with disabilities. The decision to host the Paralympics in iconic locations such as the Place de la Concorde is a reflection of the city’s commitment to inclusive and accessible sporting events. Athletes, organizers, and spectators are looking forward to a ground-breaking opening ceremony that will mark the beginning of the Paralympics, an event that aims to celebrate the spirit of resilience and determination.
